Chester Government Update
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 16 began with an executive session to interview a candidate, Chris Alusheff, for part-time zoning inspector...
The Chester Township Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 16 began with an executive session to interview a candidate, Chris Alusheff, for part-time zoning inspector. Upon exiting the session, a motion was approved to hire Alusheff at a rate of $23 per hour. Also, in the public session, Police Chief Craig Young introduced part-time police officer Zach Petric, and a motion was approved to hire him at $27 per hour. Trustees welcomed both gentlemen to the team. The board also accepted the resignation of police officer Tyler Dankovich, as he returned to his prior place of employment.
Next, Cub Scout Ben Gorris of Pack 3104 in Chester Township discussed the troop’s request for Chester Township to serve as its sponsor. More discussion will follow, including township liability.
A motion was approved to allow Road Superintendent John Onyshko de minimis use of the township snowplow for clearing his drive. Onyshko frequently travels the roads in the middle of the night evaluating road conditions and doing some pre-applications of hills and curves to help the crew when they plow.
Motions were approved to offer for sale obsolete and/or unused road department equipment including an old V-plow, wing-plow, 1,750-gallon anti-ice system valued at $12,000 and a $4,500 walk-behind saw on Govdeals.com.
The township executed an agreement with the Ohio Department of Commerce for a 10-year interest-free loan for $239,285.84 that will be used for the purchase of the Rosenbauer Pumper Truck that was ordered in fall 2022. The build for the pumper is expected to be completed in April 2024.
The board approved the resignation of part-time Zoning Inspector Richard Ivans and also approved up to $500 in instructor fees for training for its board of zoning appeals members.
Chester Township’s 2024 temporary appropriations in the amount of $9,373,052.20 were approved.
The board approved the use of town hall property for the West Geauga Chamber of Commerce Festival of Trees event during the holiday season. Individuals or companies could sponsor a tree.
Funds in the amount of $4,450 were approved for J&B Construction & Remodeling, LLC for installation of a new window in the northeast corner office of town hall.
An after-the-fact motion was approved for a letter to U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance and Congressman Dave Joyce regarding the trustees’ opposition to renaming the Chester Post Office.
The trustees, fiscal officer and other township representatives participated in the Veterans Day ceremony at Parkside Park and Chairman Richter read a proclamation.
Barry Leven gave an update on the status of pickleball finances. More than $63,000 was raised through donations from residents and businesses. Netting fixtures are being installed and the courts will be painted in the spring and ready for use.
Use of the town hall for the U.S. Militia National Chapter Riding Club and Hunting Valley Preserve HOA was approved. Operation Santa Sleigh was held at the West Geauga Plaza Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Nov. 22, the board had a special meeting. Action was taken to pass a resolution to rescind the collection of the 0.5-mil police levy. Trustees approved $1,790 for PRADCO for psychological background assessments for officer candidates and a $2,000 reimbursement to the Rotary for holiday lighting.
The board also discussed an opportunity for a 50 percent match funding available through the state for projects. Up to $700 million is available. Replacement of the salt dome or repair of the deteriorating walls was one project that was discussed. Fiscal Officer Patricia Jarrett will work to get the applications in before the mid-December deadline.
A letter from the Chester Board of Trustees to the Geauga County Commissioners was approved that explained the board’s dissatisfaction with the timing of, but not the content, of their Oct. 27, 2023, letter regarding levies. Along with the property revaluation and tax implications, the residents and the trustees felt the letter contributed to unnecessary confusion for voters.
Submitted by Ken Radtke Jr., Chester Township Board of Trustees
